DOCSLIB.ORG

Special Discipleship Knowing

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Special Discipleship Knowing Special DiScipleShip Knowing Issue . oing &DC S L e w i S i n S t i t u t e Spring 2011 A Teaching Quarterly for Discipleship of Heart and Mind The Transforming Impact of True Discipleship by Thomas A. Tarrants III, D. Min. Director of Ministry, The C.S. Lewis Institute IN This Issue here is a crisis of discipleship in the the early church responded, and where we American church today. are today. Perhaps this will help us see more 2 Notes from Reams of research confirm the sim- clearly what we need to do. the President T by Kerry Knott ple observation that in many ways the lives of most professing Christians are not much Jesus on Discipleship 3 C.S. Lewis different from their nonbelieving neigh- on Authentic bors. Like ancient Israel and the church in Jesus began his public ministry with a Discipleship simple message of grace: “Repent, for the by Christopher some periods of history, we have adopted Mitchell the beliefs, values, and behaviors of the sur- kingdom of heaven is at hand ” (Matt. 4:17), rounding culture to an alarming degree. or, as Mark records it, “The time is fulfilled, 4 Becoming a Although there are exceptions among indi- and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent Disciple of Jesus: and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15 ESV). He Demands viduals and congregations, they only serve Our All to confirm the reality. By this Jesus meant that in his own Person, by Bill Kynes This sad situation is bringing reproach God’s kingdom was now uniquely present on the name of Jesus Christ, undermining and people should respond by believing 6 The Discipleship the credibility of the church, strengthen- this good news, turning from their sins, Deficit: Where Have All the ing atheist rhetoric, and bringing frequent and trusting him. Soon after he began his Disciples Gone? charges of hypocrisy against God’s people ministry, Jesus called his first followers, Si- by Greg Ogden and his work. It stands in stark contrast mon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who with the teachings of Jesus about disciple- were fishermen. One day, as they were ply- 8 Discipleship for ing their trade on the shores of the Sea of Changing Times ship and the witness of the church in other and Ministries eras, and it presents us with an urgent and Galilee, Jesus came up and said, “Follow by Michael unavoidable challenge. me, and I will make you fishers of men” Wilkins A significant part of our problem today (Matt. 4:19). The call came at an inconve- is widespread misunderstanding about the nient time, took precedence over family, 23 Recommended Reading nature of discipleship. Let’s briefly look at friends, and livelihood and carried a high what Jesus taught about discipleship, how personal price. All they (continued on page 10) In the legacy of C.S. Lewis, the Institute endeavors to develop disciples who can articulate, defend, and live C. S. LewiS inStitute faith in Christ through personal and public life. E S T A B L I S H E D 1 9 7 6 Notes from the PresideNt by Kerry A. Knott President, C.S. Lewis Institute Dear Friends, here are key moments in history when voices need to shout, “Stop!” and change course. In this special issue of Knowing and Doing, we add our voice to those Twho recognize that the church in America is heading in the wrong direc- tion. We urge a stop to cheap grace, nominalism, and the compartmentalization of God. And we advocate for a renewed focus on authentic discipleship. While we don’t pretend to have all the answers, we recognize core elements that are essential to the health of the church, and we feel called to articulate those concerns. In this special issue, you will get a hearty meal of discipleship, from understanding what it is to how to refocus your life, your church, and your ministry around disciple- ship of the heart and mind. Discipleship is not a check-the-box course we take; it is a focus of each key stage of life as we journey with Christ toward our destiny. There is an urgency to our message. As Greg Ogden asks, “Where have all the disciples gone?” Too many church leaders and Chris- Discipleship is not a check-the-box tians downplay or don’t even understand what it means to whole- course we take; it is a focus of each heartedly follow Christ seven days a week; they aren’t willing to pay the cost of doing so. Europe lost its faith in just a few short genera- key stage of life as we journey with tions, and America is headed in that direction unless we change Christ toward our destiny. course, which involves making discipleship part of the DNA of ev- ery believing church in America. Every pastor should be actively en- couraging the congregation to live as Christ called us to live—not as powerless weaklings adrift in the world, but as spirit-filled leaders for God’s kingdom. Of course, there are signs of promise, and there are good, solid churches in America that are setting examples for us to follow. In future issues, we will be highlighting success stories and offering practical advice on how churches and individuals can focus effectively on discipleship. Please join us by praying for the church. Pray for leaders to be raised up. Pray for the Holy Spirit to spark a new hunger for worship and a discipleship movement that will sweep this land. Sincerely, Kerry A. Knott [email protected] Page 2 • Knowing & Doing | Spring 2011 Profile in Faith C.S. Lewis on Authentic Discipleship by Christopher W. Mitchell, Ph.D. Senior Fellow, C.S. Lewis Institute Director, Marion E. Wade Center, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL alter Hooper has on several oc- somewhat reserved Lewis should unburden casions stated that C.S. Lewis himself in this way to a friend and illumi- Wwas the most thoroughly con- nating inasmuch as it demonstrates that verted person he had ever met. If I were to even at this period in his life, he was still put what Hooper was saying into biblical wrestling with personal demons, still strug- language, it would go something like this: gling to keep his way pure. It is also illumi- “From the time Lewis came to faith in Je- nating in that it demonstrates the depth of sus Christ to the day he died, he desired, his commitment to following Christ. worked, and struggled, sometimes succeed- The second example is found in the last ing and sometimes failing, to bring all of sermon Lewis preached. He delivered it on Christopher W. Mitchell, January 29, 1956, and it was titled “A Slip of Ph.D. is Director of the Mar- his life captive to Christ.” An evangelical ion E. Wade Center and holds would simply have said that Lewis was a the Tongue.” Once again, it is worth noting the Marion E. Wade Chair model disciple of Christ. I agree with both that Lewis is now fifty-seven years old; once of Christian Thought, at again we might be tempted to safely assume Wheaton College, Wheaton, assertions. I also believe Lewis understood Illinois. Mitchell serves the nature and purpose of Christian dis- that while he is far from perfect, he surely as Book Review Editor for cipleship better than most and communi- has all the big issues well in hand. “A Slip Seven: An Anglo-American cated as clearly as anyone in the English of the Tongue,” however, gives us reason Literary Review, a journal 1 published annually by the speaking world. to pause. He begins the sermon recounting Wade Center on its seven au- Because my primary aim is to demon- how, during his morning devotions, he mis- thors. Mitchell received his strate the enormous significance of what read the collect for the fourth Sunday after M.A. from Wheaton College, and a Ph.D. from the Univer- Lewis has to teach us about Christian dis- Trinity. Instead of praying “that I might so sity of St. Andrews, Scotland. cipleship, it is important that I make clear pass through things temporal that I finally He and his wife Julie live in at the outset that Lewis did in fact struggle lost not the things eternal,” he prayed, “so to Wheaton, and have four chil- dren and two grandchildren. all his life to embody what he knew to be pass through things eternal that I finally lost true of a disciple of Christ. Two examples not the things temporal.”3 Now we might will suffice. The first comes from a letter view this as quite innocent. Lewis did not. Lewis wrote on June 21, 1950, to his friend For what it alerted him to was that, after all and former student, George Sayer. Lewis this time, his oldest nemesis to discipleship was fifty-one years old. Much of his most was still alive and well; namely, his desire important and celebrated work defending for limited liabilities, manifested in that per- and explicating the faith had been pub- sistent voice in his head that told him to be lished. He was, one might say, mature and “careful, to keep his head, not to go too far, well established in his faith. But on this day not to burn my boats.” Lest the sinister na- he penned the following: “My Dear George, ture be missed, he goes on to make perfectly I shall be completely alone at the Kilns… clear the meaning of these precautions.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Understanding the 2019 Shared Ministries of the Northwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church
    OUR SHARED MINISTRIES Understanding the 2019 Shared Ministries of the Northwest Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church Northwest Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church 1401 Ave. M Lubbock, TX 79401-3939 Phone (806) 762-0201 Fax (806) 762-0205 www.nwtxconf.org\Shared Ministries [email protected] 3/28/2018 A Guide to Our Connectional Ministries. 8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8) Nineteenth Edition 2019 Copyright 5/1/2019 Permission is granted to duplicate this booklet in whole or in part for church use. Northwest Texas Conference 1401 Avenue M Lubbock, TX 79401-3939 2 Table of Contents Page No. Questions & Answers ............................................................................. 4 Shared Ministries Missional Budget ...................................................... 7 2019 Budget Alignment with Our Strategic Plan ............................. 15 Shared Ministries Descriptions ................................................................ Ministry Support & Leadership ...................................................... 18 District Ministries and Services ....................................................... 20 Clergy Care & Benefits Services ..................................................... 21 Strategic Priorities ............................................................................. 22 Other Conference Ministries ..........................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Worship Ministry
    GUIDELINES 2017–2020 Prepares leaders for their ministry roles in Worship ministry The worship ministry of the local church is often the first entry point for people seeking to establish a relationship with God in a Christian community. The ways in which we worship and honor God set a tone for the overall ministry of the church. This Guideline will help equip you to implement and guide the work of this ministry area. This is one of the twenty-six Guidelines that cover church leadership areas, such as Church Council and Small-Membership Church; administrative areas of Finance and Trustees; and ministry areas focused on nurture, outreach, and witness: Worship, Evangelism, Stewardship, Christian Education, age-level ministries, Communications, and more. Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2017–2020—Complete Set Available in print (ISBN: 9781501830112) and flash drive (ISBN: 9781501830143) formats. Also available for eReaders. The full set includes: • 26 individual booklets (also available for individual sale) • Visit www.UMOfficialResources.com/Guidelines for the following free resources: * “Guide to the Guidelines” (includes an Orientation Workshop) * Supplemental Materials (ready for use) www.cokesbury.com Cover Image: Thinkstock 9781501830051_CVR_worship.indd 1 8/2/16 2:28 PM G U I D E L I N E S Worship The Gifts of God from the People of God Taylor W. Burton-Edwards Discipleship Ministries 9781501830051_INT_layout.indd 1 8/8/16 3:03 PM WORSHIP Copyright © 2016 by Cokesbury All rights reserved. United Methodist churches and other official United Methodist bodies may reproduce up to 500 words from this publication, provided the following notice appears with the excerpted material: “From Guidelines: Worship 2017–2020.
    [Show full text]
  • Multiplying-Disciples
    “In Multiplying Disciples, Winfield Bevins masterfully explores a number of historical discipling movements. Bringing much insightful and practical reflection, this book will stir and challenge you to want to be part of a similar movement today.” -Matthew Porter, Vicar of The Belfrey in York, England, and author of A-Z of Discipleship. “The 21st Century demands a new and revitalized apostolic movement of disciple making leaders like never before in the history of the Church. This book will become a blueprint to accomplish a such monumental task for those seeking to establish the kingdom of God.” -Rev Dr. Iosmar Alvarez, Senior Pastor of Fuente de Avivamiento and Founder of Disciple 21 Network “Winfield Bevins is on the forefront of this contemporary movement. Bevins is a practitioner, not an armchair theologian. He does not claim to have all of the answers, but he has been around long enough to know most of the questions. We all can learn something from this man, and it is a pleasure to commend his teaching to you.” -Dr. Robert Coleman “To say that the task of making disciples that make disciples is an important feature of a missional movement is an understatement—it is absolutely critical. Fail here and we will fail everywhere. Winfield has gifted us with a book that not only reminds us of the importance of discipleship, but one that gives us some seriously useful tools in helping us become a disciple-making movement. We are grateful.” -Alan Hirsch, award winning writer on missional leadership, spirituality, and organization. Founder of the Movement Leaders Collective, Forge Mission Training Network, and 100 Movements.
    [Show full text]
  • CCLI 2015-2017 Top 100 Songs Vetted for United Methodist Congregations
    CCLI 2015-2017 Top 100 Songs Vetted for United Methodist Congregations CCLI Top 100 Vetting Team Taylor Burton-Edwards, Kim Chapman, Nelson Cowan, Keum Hwang, Jackson Henry, Laura Jaquith Bartlett, Lim Swee Hong, Robert McMichael, Janice McNair, and Lester Ruth One of the most significant indicators of the use of newer music in Christian congregations in The United States is the CCLI Top 100 list. CCLI is the nation’s leading provider of licensing services for churches that reproduce songs in print or on screen for congregational singing. As a list, the CCLI Top 100 only indicates what copyrighted songs congregations subscribing to the CCLI license are using the most. The list provides no information about the quality of the songs, either theologically, musically, or in terms of their use of language for humanity and God. The majority of the contemporary/modern worship corpus reflected in the CCLI Top 100 list is generated by artists whose theological traditions are not generally Wesleyan-Arminian. Most could be described as charismatic, Pentecostal, Calvinist, or neo-Calvinist. These traditions have not fully shared and sometimes have taken positions opposite to our core commitments as United Methodists. These commitments include: ¨ an understanding of salvation in which ongoing sanctification and making use of the means of grace are seen as crucial ¨ a practice of corporate worship and discipleship in which sacraments are central ¨ an attentiveness to doctrinal and biblical accuracy in lyrical form ¨ the importance of congregational singing, and ¨ the use of language for God that is expansive, inclusive, non-patriarchal and that consistently respects persons of all cultures, ethnicities, and physical and mental abilities.
    [Show full text]
  • The United Methodist Church the Business of the Annual Conference
    2015 IOWA CONFERENCE JOURNAL 63 THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH THE BUSINESS OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE The Minutes of the Iowa Annual Conference held in Des Moines, Iowa, from June 6 through June 9, 2015, Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble, Presiding. Date When Organized August 14, 1844. Number of This Session 172nd. PART I ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Who are elected for the quadrennium (¶¶603.7, 619)? Secretary Patty LaGree Mailing Address: 2301 Rittenhouse Street, Des Moines, IA 50321 Telephone: 515.974.8930 Email: [email protected] Statistician Terry Montgomery Mailing Address: 2301 Rittenhouse Street, Des Moines, IA 50321 Telephone: 515.974.8919 Email: [email protected] Treasurer Terry Montgomery Mailing Address: 2301 Rittenhouse Street, Des Moines, IA 50321 Telephone: 515.974.8919 Email: [email protected] 2. Is the Annual Conference incorporated (¶603.1)? Yes. The Iowa Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church 3. Bonding and auditing: What officers handling funds of the conference have been bonded, and in what amounts (¶¶618, 2511)? Treasurer’s Office staff as well as all other Conference employees are bonded up to $1,000,000 for Employee Theft and $500,000 for ERISA Fidelity coverage through the Conference Insurance Program. Have the books of said officers or persons been audited (¶¶617, 2511)? (See report, back pages of Journal.) 4. What agencies have been appointed or elected? a) Who have been elected chairpersons for the mandated structures listed? Council on Finance and Administration (¶611) - Rev. Jon Disburg, 202 E. 4th St., Ottumwa, IA 52501. Ph. 641.684.5451. Email: [email protected] Board of Ordained Ministry ¶635) - Rev.
    [Show full text]
  • Discipleship Principles to Transform the Church
    LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY BY THIS THEY WILL KNOW: DISCIPLESHIP PRINCIPLES TO TRANSFORM THE CHURCH A Thesis Project Submitted to Liberty University: Baptist Theological Seminary in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF MINISTRY By Mark Richard Brown Lynchburg, Virginia June 19, 2012 Copyright © 2012 by Mark R Brown All Rights Reserved LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY THESIS PROJECT APPROVAL SHEET ___________________________________ GRADE ____________________________________ MENTOR ____________________________________ READER ABSTRACT BY THIS THEY WILL KNOW: DISCIPLESHIP PRINCIPLES TO TRANSFORM THE CHURCH Mark Richard Brown Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2012 Mentor: Dr. Charles N. Davidson Current research indicates that ninety-five million individuals in America do not attend church. Nearly forty percent, of this group, have a negative impression of Christianity.1 The purpose of this project is to study the forces that that are transforming the American culture, and the dynamics that are perpetuating a bad image of Christianity. The author will evaluate the current state of spiritual formation in the Christian community, and make recommendations for developing an effective discipleship strategy for the church. The impetus for this paper is the Great commission issued by Jesus as recorded in Matthew 28:19. The paper will incorporate historical data, current research, surveys, and evaluations of churches that have developed successful discipleship programs. Abstract length: 115 words. 1. David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons, unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2007), 24. This thesis is dedicated to: Steve, my pastor and friend – you taught me that fidelity for the gospel is evidenced by a heart for people.
    [Show full text]
  • 2016 General Conference Guide
    2016 GENERAL CONFERENCE GUIDE MAY 10 - MAY 20, 2016 | PORTLAND, OREGON CONTENTS Episcopal Welcome .................................................................. 3 General Conference: An Overview .................................................... 4 The Site ........................................................................... 6 Mobile App and Website ............................................................. 7 General Conference Schedule ........................................................ 8 A Word about Schedules ........................................................... 13 Opening Worship, Addresses, Other Special Events .....................................1 4 Main Tasks .......................................................................1 6 Key People .......................................................................1 6 Sources of Legislation ..............................................................1 9 Legislative Committees .............................................................1 9 Tracking Legislation ................................................................2 2 Major Issues ......................................................................2 3 A Message from Dan Krause, United Methodist Communications ..........................26 Portland City Center Plenary Hall .....................................................27 History of the Church ..............................................................36 Membership ......................................................................37
    [Show full text]
  • Ministries with Young People
    GUIDELINES 2017–2020 Prepares leaders for their ministry roles in Ministries with Young People You have been called to ministry with young people—those journeying through adolescence and those navigating the unpredictable, full-of-firsts years of the twenties and thirties. This sacred and exciting leadership role comes with challenges, opportunities to touch lives, and blessings that you might never anticipate. As a leader with young people, you will build relationships and lead by example. This Guideline provides an introduction to the ministry of youth or young-adult coordinator/staff; it will help equip you to implement and guide the work of this ministry area. This is one of the twenty-six Guidelines that cover church leadership areas, such as Church Council and Small-Membership Church; administrative areas of Finance and Trustees; and ministry areas focused on nurture, outreach, and witness: Worship, Evangelism, Stewardship, Christian Education, age-level ministries, Communications, and more. Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2017–2020—Complete Set Available in print (ISBN: 9781501830112) and flash drive (ISBN: 9781501830143) formats. Also available for eReaders. The full set includes: • 26 individual booklets (also available for individual sale) • Visit www.UMOfficialResources.com/Guidelines for the following free resources: * “Guide to the Guidelines” (includes an Orientation Workshop) * Supplemental Materials (ready for use) www.cokesbury.com Cover Image: Thinkstock 9781501830082_CVR_youth.indd 1 8/2/16 2:30 PM G U I D E L I N E S Ministries with Young People Empower Youth and Young Adults in Ministry Cindy Klick Discipleship Ministries 9781501830082_INT_layout.indd 1 8/22/16 8:37 AM MINISTRIES WITH YOUNG PEOPLE Copyright © 2016 by Cokesbury All rights reserved.
    [Show full text]
  • LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES Is a Leadership Development Program in the United Methodist Church Focused on Equipping and Empowering La
    LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES is a leadership development program in The United Methodist Church focused on equipping and empowering laypersons who have responded to the call of God to serve in mission and ministry. These laypersons are called to live out their own discipleship as servants in leadership through the ministries of leading, caring, and communicating. Being called to ministry is a serious endeavor. It takes a disciple to make a disciple. Thus we must do all we can to prepare ourselves and others to serve. For additional information and resources for Lay Servant Ministries please visit our website at www.UMCdiscipleship.org/laity or contact the Office of Laity at [email protected]. Discipleship Ministries 1908 Grand Avenue Nashville, TN 37212 UMCdiscipleship.org 877.899.2780 [email protected] COM381 Certified Lay Speaker The United Methodist Church has A certified lay speaker serves by preaching the Word when requested by the pastor, established three categories for Certified Lay Servant district superintendent, or committee on lay servant ministries in accordance and laypersons in the area of lay servant A certified lay servant serves the compliance with ¶341.1 of The Book of Discipline. ministries to develop, prepare, and local church or charge (and/or engage principled Christian leaders beyond) and: The role of a certified lay speaker is a specific calling for the ministry of pulpit supply. for the mission of making disciples • provides program leadership, for the transformation of the world: assistance, and support. • leads meetings for prayer, • Certified Lay Servant training, study, and discussion. Certified Lay Minister • Certified Lay Speaker • conducts, or assists in A certified lay minister serves as part of a ministry team with the supervision and conducting, services of worship, • Certified Lay Minister support of a clergyperson and: preaches the Word, or gives Certified lay servants who wish to addresses.
    [Show full text]
  • 2021 Virtual Michigan Annual Conference June 1-6, 2021 | 2021.Michiganumc.Org Service of Recognition, Commissioning, and Ordination Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 1 PM
    2021 Virtual Michigan Annual Conference June 1-6, 2021 | 2021.MichiganUMC.org Service of Recognition, Commissioning, and Ordination Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 1 PM 2021 VIRTUAL MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE 1 Greetings in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the peace and power of the Holy Spirit. As we gather for Annual Conference this year, once again virtually, we continue to traverse a new land and live in a strange time. While we can see the end of the pandemic with increasing vaccinations, we are not there yet, and one thing we have learned is that this is a tenacious virus, ready to take advantage of us when we become complacent about public health. So, we will continue to act to foster public health, promote the common good and care for one another. Thank you for doing this, and thank you for your creativity, ingenuity, and tenacity in finding ways to connect for worship, learning, praying, grieving, and celebrating. Inspired by God’s Spirit we continue to reach out in concern and service to the world, feeding, clothing, caring, working for justice, in ways that work to keep people safe and healthy. Inspired by God’s Spirit we continue to find new ways to create communities of love and forgiveness, ways that also mitigate the on-going spread of COVID. Inspired by God’s Spirit we encourage one another to be vaccinated. Our theme this year for Annual Conference fits our circumstance: “Singing the Lord’s Song.” The phrase comes from Psalm 137 where an exilic community asks the poignant question, “How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” We have found ways to sing the Lord’s song, to be in ministry for Jesus Christ in this strange time, in this foreign land.
    [Show full text]
  • Membership Secretary Job Description
    Membership Secretary Result Expected An effective membership secretary will keep accurate membership records, will help the congregation know its current reality, and will build a plan for growth in professions of faith, baptisms, members, and discipleship. Spiritual Gifts and Qualifications Helpful for the Job The membership secretary position will be enhanced by a person who has gifts of servanthood, helping, and administration. The membership secretary needs to be an adaptable person who understands the changing cultural understanding of membership and can work with individuals and the pastor to facilitate membership categories of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. Skills for this position include an ability to communicate well by listening, speaking, and writing; a willingness to tend to details; experience in record keeping; and an interest in learning. Responsibilities of the Position This person works with the pastor to keep accurate records for all membership rolls (baptized members, professing members, constituents, affiliate members, associate members, people removed from the roll of professing members, people removed from the roll of baptized members), reporting annually to the charge conference. This person maintains a list of members received and those to be removed from the rolls. The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church defines categories of membership and the process for removal of members. This person is accountable to the charge conference through the church council. This person understands and maintains the membership records (¶230, Book of Discipline), helps conduct the annual membership audit (¶231, The Discipline) and provides an annual report of members attending colleges and universities (¶ 232).
    [Show full text]
  • Pastors for Their Roles As Pastoral, Spiritual Leaders
    GUIDELINES 2017–2020 Prepares pastors for their roles as pastoral, spiritual leaders The pastoral leader is the primary spiritual leader of the congregation. The pastor carries the responsibility for a number of different ministry tasks. Effective pastors will also take intentional time for personal spiritual growth and restoration to maintain vital ministry. This Guideline helps pastors navigate their role as spiritual leaders in the congregation. This is one of the twenty-six Guidelines that cover church leadership areas, such as Church Council and Small-Membership Church; administrative areas of Finance and Trustees; and ministry areas focused on nurture, outreach, and witness: Worship, Evangelism, Stewardship, Christian Education, age-level ministries, Communications, and more. Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2017–2020—Complete Set Available in print (ISBN: 9781501830112) and flash drive (ISBN: 9781501830143) formats. Also available for eReaders. The full set includes: • 26 individual booklets (also available for individual sale) • Visit www.UMOfficialResources.com/Guidelines for the following free resources: * “Guide to the Guidelines” (includes an Orientation Workshop) * Supplemental Materials (ready for use) www.cokesbury.com Cover Image: Thinkstock 9781501829819_CVR_pastor.indd 1 8/30/16 1:06 PM G U I D E L I N E S Pastor Spiritual Leadership for the Church in Mission Susan W. N. Ruach MaryJane Pierce Norton Discipleship Ministries 9781501829819_INT_layout.indd 1 8/8/16 1:33 PM PASTOR Copyright © 2016 by Cokesbury All rights reserved. United Methodist churches and other official United Methodist bodies may reproduce up to 500 words from this publication, provided the following notice appears with the excerpted material: “From Guidelines: Pastor 2017–2020.
    [Show full text]